Good morning, Corvallis.

The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo will run from Thursday to Saturday and will feature rodeo events starting at 7 p.m. at Skirvin Park—fireworks will follow Friday’s rodeo and a community parade will take place on Saturday morning with family activities and live music.

A celebration of life gathering in memory of Don Tonkin will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Monday, July 21 at Marys River Grange Hall (24707 Grange Hall Road) in Philomath where friends and family will share memories of a well-loved figure.

Today at 6 p.m., the Brutal Bridges Band will perform at the gazebo stage in Philomath City Park as part of the free Music in the Park series—visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets while the Philomath Lions Club offers concessions.

Future concerts in the series are set for July 27, Aug. 13, Aug. 24, and Sept. 10.

At Oregon State University, a student-staffed book press has opened behind a garage door at Snell Hall—joining other campus artistic projects as part of the school’s creative efforts.

Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order banning smartphones from K-12 classrooms, and mid-Willamette Valley schools must update their rules by Oct.

31 to set aside personal devices during the day. Some school officials support the change for reducing distractions while others worry about local control and extra costs.

483 state transportation workers received layoff notices on Monday and will remain employed until July 31 as Gov. Tina Kotek said a funding shortfall put the state’s roads at risk.

Kotek warned that more than 100 employees may be cut in a second round in early 2026 if lawmakers do not act to solve the emergency.

Corvallis nurses marched on Tuesday after their contract expired on June 30 due to stalled negotiations over safety and insurance issues at Samaritan Regional Medical Center — union representatives say the parties will meet again on July 28.

Philomath Frolic & Rodeo

7:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Philomath Frolic & Rodeo Inc — Ticket prices vary — Experience three nights of thrilling rodeo action at the 72nd annual celebration.

Special Olympics Oregon Summer State Games

Friday to Sunday — Oregon State University — Free for spectators — Celebrate athletic achievements at the state-level competition featuring various sports and activities.

Graand Kinetic Challenge

10 a.m. — Crystal Lake Sports Fields — Free admission — Watch imaginative human-powered vehicles race through terrain and water in a whimsical competition.

Corvallis Celtic Festival

Various times — Central Park — Mostly free — Celebrate Celtic culture with vibrant music, dancing, and engaging workshops.

Clyde Mcgee Live Performance

7-11:30 p.m. — Bombs Away Cafe - A Rockin' Taqueria — Enjoy great food and foot-stomping music with Clyde Mcgee from the Bridge City Sinners.

Art and Wine in the Garden 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Garland Nursery — Free entry — Explore a vibrant garden filled with local artisans and enjoy fine wines while immersing in artistic creations.

Benton County Fair & Rodeo

7 p.m. — Benton County Fairgrounds — $8-$10 — Experience live music, thrilling rides, and rodeo excitement all in one location.

2025 Oregon Senior Games

Aug 1-3 — Corvallis Community Center — Check OregonSeniorGames.com for details — A competitive and social event for active seniors in beautiful Corvallis.